Summer Promise Program
The Davidson Summer Promise Program is an annual, free, week-long college readiness program for high school students.
About Summer Promise
We accept applications from current 8th graders and invite a new class of rising ninth graders each summer.
Through this residential program, selected students experience a snapshot of the holistic college experience to strengthen their confidence and enthusiasm for persisting in high school and pursuing higher education.
Students experience courses co-taught by Davidson faculty and teachers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools.
Outside of class hours, the students engage with the many co-curricular experiences and facilities at Davidson College.
Program Highlights
- The program is designed to increase college readiness and empower students to unlock their promise and potential to attend college, and pursue their dreams.
- Rising 9th-12th grade students will spend seven days in June on the beautiful Davidson College campus, experiencing a taste of residential college life. The program only recruits and accepts rising 9th graders to start the program. Each cohort is invited to return to the program every year thereafter.
- Family representatives will receive valuable information on the college admissions process, financial aid requirements, and scholarship opportunities.
Key Dates
- Upcoming Program Dates:
June 20—June 26, 2027 - New Scholar Application Opens:
February 1, 2027
Contact Information
Dr. Tracy Bailey
Director of Educational Outreach and Teacher Placement
Mailing Address
209 Ridge Rd, Box 5000
Davidson, NC 28035
Email Address
SummerPromise@davidson.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
New scholars who will be rising ninth graders at the end of the 2026-2027 school year (current eighth graders) who live in the greater Charlotte, NC area are eligible to apply. Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who have participated in Summer Promise previously will be invited to return.
We do not accept new applicants after the ninth grade. Students must have attended Summer Promise for their freshman year to attend for the following years.
We accept 30 students each year.
Students will need to provide self-reported grades from their most recent report card and a teacher recommendation from a core subject teacher (Language Arts/English, Science, Math, Social Studies). Teacher recommendation forms must be completed online by a teacher who has knowledge of the applicant's academic ability.
Finalists will be invited to participate in an interview.
Yes, students will choose two academic classes, along with the extracurricular activities they are interested in. Although course selection is not guaranteed, we will do our best to match accepted scholars with their preferences.
Participant Handbook & Guidelines
Information for registered scholars including sample daily schedule, packing list, and arrival and departure details.
